After confirming his return to the USMNT bench, the Gregg Berhalter’s main objective at the helm of the North American team is to ensure its direct passage to the 2024 Copa América through to the quarter-finals of the Concacaf Nations League.
For the next double sided in Trinidad and TobagoBerhalter will have to do interesting and perhaps unexpected decisions as to who makes up his team.
Although the proven attacking group – Pulisic, Reyna, Pepi, Weah (who could be injured) And Balogun – has been widely praised, there are now many other options Berhalter could call upon for gamingincluding names such as Alejandro Zendejas, Jordan Pefok, Haji Wright and Kevin Paredeswho are all shining for their club this season.
Which players could make Berhalter’s team?
Pefok and Wright are strikers who could perfectly compete on the international scene: the first scores for fun with Borussia Mönchengladbach while Wright already has international experience as he was part of the 2022 World Cup squad.
Balogun, it must be said, is in top form in France and remains Berhalter’s first choice, but the competition is definitely there if his form suffers an unexpected dip throughout the season. However, Ricardo Pepi, a second-ranked player behind Berhalter is certainly threatened.
Kevin Paredesthe youngest of the potential striking options for Berhalter, is one of Bundesliga revelations for Wolfsburg, and scored the equalizer in his team’s match against Werder Bremen. Since his appearance on the DC United scene, the striker has been considered a future option for the USMNTand his time may have finally arrived in Berhalter’s eyes.
As for Zendejaseven though he hasn’t made his mark in Europe, the 25-year-old’s impact in Mexico cannot be underestimated: with three goals in 4 games, he is one of the fittest players in the league. He is one of the most influential players in Las Aguilas and the main thing people ask him is that he has a role in the USMNT, which could come soon enough Should Berhalter opt for the midfield maestro.
Who could abandon the USMNT team?
A player who should be the subject of debate before the squad list is announced is Brenden Aaronson. The former Leeds United player, who was relegated last season from the Premier League before moving to Union Berlin, had a lot of difficulty in adapting to the German league, and only played 7 minutes in a recent 0-3 loss at Eintracht Frankfurt in a match in which his younger brother Paxten also featured. The FIFA hiatus could be a welcome time away from European football for Brenden. if he is part of Berhalter’s team at all.
